Some years ago, I was embroiled in a dispute regarding my son's Individualized Education Plan.  It did not address his educational needs and the school district was unwilling to hear my parent concerns.  A special education attorney referred me to Dr. Kotula, and I am pleased that she conducted a full comprehensive educational evaluation on my son.  The thoroughness of the report outlining his educational needs was eye-opening.  While the school had done some testing, it was incomplete and ineffective to meet his needs.  Receiving the detailed report of testing, scores, what those scores meant and the recommendations on how to address his unique special needs was something I will never regret having done.  Dr. Kotula sat down with me after all the testing and reviewed the results in plain and understandable language to me as a parent with no knowledge of the "lingo" in special education.  The report was pivotal for me to become a stronger advocate, not only for my son, but I now assist other families in the field of educational advocacy. 

As a parent and executive director of Rhode Island Advocacy for Children, I continue to refer families to Dr. Kotula, whom I consider to be the Rhode Island premier expert in performing comprehensive educational evaluations.  In fact, having her attend a recent IEP meeting resulted in a very successful private placement for a child with dyslexia.  I fully attribute that success to Dr. Kotula's knowledge and expertise in highlighting the child's needs in the IEP meeting she attended with us.
              Joanna Scocchi
              Parent of a Child with Special Needs and Founder of Rhode Island Advocacy for Children
              Educational Advocacy Supports and Services to Families of Disadvantaged Youth and Children with Disabilities